I admit it…while there are a few hiccups in this event, I have to say, I am LOVING the concept…with a few exceptions. Yes. I am one of “those guys,” who is always looking for ways to improve something…
And I guess at the top of my list for this event, is the ability to watch the performers perform, on ALL of the stages! How hard would that be? I mean…if you are going to have a stage at Kwik-E-Mart, or Moes, or even a “House Concert” at the Simpsons…LET’S SEE THE PERFORMANCE!! Right?
I just won Peter…and then was bummed to remember that unless I place him on the Main Stage…I don’t get to see him perform. It’s kind of like producing a real concert, and then having to listen from backstage, while you clean up the dressing room that was trashed by the band…before the venue owner sees it. And yes…if this sounds like something that was real…it’s because it was…I wasn’t happy, but it’s part of the job.
Real Concert promotion is a high-wire act that in the end, is really not intended for anyone other than those who understand that the “music business” is just that…business. It’s for the fans…and the performers…not for those working to make it happen. But, I digress…
There are some “magic moments” that happen in the promotion business. Most of them are little moments when you realize that the “stars” are just people too…and for the most part…just want everyone to be happy that they are there.
Unless they are being complete %&@ tools… Like the time…
I had a famous folk singer (known for her amazing blue eyes and a song about clowns), demand that we order a limousine to take her from her hotel, to the back stage of the venue…which was literally 35 feet away. Not kidding.
Or the rock crooner, whose name I won’t mention, but it rhymes with “Hiss Flysick” threaten to sue the production team, because we only had ONE follow spot on him, instead of two, during his big “mirror suit” routine. He was wearing a suit made of mirrors…do you think we had a hard time following him on stage??
Or the time that the lovely, talented, and amazingly down to earth Joan Baez, decided she needed to cool off, just before going on stage at an outdoor venue, on a hot summer night. And decided that would be be served best by jumping into the river behind the venue…and then going on stage dripping wet…to the shock, and horror of everyone that knew that the was going to come into contact with a zillion volts of equipment as she dripped her way across the stage. She didn’t die. It was a “cool” way to start a show…but dammit…we would have brought out a couple more cooling units!
Yes…there are hundreds of stories like this from behind the stage, as well as on the stage. But, in the end, I think it was those years of “tightwire walking” that allowed me to stay calm and collected during the little bumps in the road that life wants to throw you.
Life is full of events…and the big ones require you to stay calm…and keep the goal in mind as you move forward, even when the “star” is being a jerkwad.
And speaking of goals…IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN…
It’s time to start raising funds for the next round of school supplies for our adopted school in Buyijja. I hope I don’t have to remind you, that the School Supplies are the Lynch Pin of what we do there. The basics that keep it all moving forward.
The SOLAR LIGHTS are installed and working great! And…as promised…we were able to get three beds for the teachers who end up staying at the school.
VERY COOL!! You guys rock! (without being prima-donnas)
I’ll talk more about these projects and the school supplies in upcoming posts…but, those of you who want to help, can do so…
BY DONATING HERE!
And, as a bonus for reading this far, many of you who are Facebook Friends, know that I recently posted a video from Katie’s wedding, of the song I wrote for the Father/Dad dance (a tradition for the Miller girls). Some have asked that I share it here…so I will.
My girls…my greatest “achievement” and best “production” in my life…no doubt about it. It starts with a Very YOUNG me…”walking Katie and Ali down the aisle.” Enjoy…I know I did.
